Light bulb device

ABSTRACT

A globe (11) and a substrate (12) form an outer shell (1). In the outer shell (1), there is arranged an attachment (3) having an electric lamp mount (32) and a support stand part (33). In the electric lamp mount (32) of the attachment (3), there is arranged a serially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps (4), and at the support stand part (33), there is arranged a support body (5). The serially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps (4) has a plurality of no-base type small electric lamps (51) and conductors (52) for serially connecting these no-base type small electric lamps (51), is composed by gathering these plurality of no-base type small electric lamps (51). The support body (5) supports the serially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps (4). Since the serially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps (4) that is contained within the outer shell (1) is supported by the support (5), it is possible to improve vibrationproof of the serially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps (4) and support the serially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps (4) in a prescribed position within the outer shell (1).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electric lamp device containingelectric lamps within an outer shell having a globe and a base.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, as shown in the Utility Model Publication Laid-open138160/1986 or the Utility Model Publication 20603/1968 for example,electric lamp devices sealing a plurality of small electric lamps in aserial connection within an outer shell is known.

In these electric lamp devices, a glass bulb is used as the outer shell,and a plurality of serially connected small electric lamps are containedand arranged within the glass bulb. At both ends of these seriallyconnected small electric lamps, lead wires are connected, and by meansof these lead wires, the serially connected small electric lamps are tobe mechanically supported within the glass bulb and electricallyconnected to a base which is fixed to the glass bulb.

In addition, according to the prior art, as shown in the Utility ModelPublication 20603/1968, an electric lamp device using a synthetic resinglobe as an outer shell, instead of the glass bulb, so as to contain andarrange small electric lamps within this globe is also known.

In this electric lamp device, small electric lamps are to bemechanically supported within the globe and electrically connected to abase which is fixed to the globe by means of lead wires extended fromthe small electric lamps.

However, for both of the electric lamp devices of the prior art, sincesmall electric lamps that are contained and arranged within the glassbulb or globe are supported only by means of lead wires, there is adrawback about vibrationproofing. In particular, when a plurality ofserially connected small electric lamps are to be contained and arrangedwithin the glass bulb, in addition to the poor vibrationproofing,sometimes it is difficult to support them in a prescribed positionwithin the glass bulb.

Also, with regard to the electric lamp device like this, since noconsideration was given about interchangeability of parts betweendifferent types of devices and special parts were used for each type,each device was expensive.

It is an object, therefore, of the present invention to provide anelectric lamp device that, when a plurality of no-base type smallelectric lamps are to be serially contained within an outer shell, canimprove the vibrationproof of the these no-base type small electriclamps and support them in a prescribed position within the outer shell.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide adiversified electric lamp device that easily allows combinations ofdifferent electric lamp types by making parts interchangeable, includingouter shells.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention has a globe having an opening and a lighttransmitting part; an outer shell having an opening for connecting theglobe in which an opening of the globe is connected to one end, andproviding at the other end a substrate having a relatively slenderopening for connecting power supply, compared with the opening forconnecting the globe; an electric lamp mount part arranged in asubstrate within the outer shell; a serially connected body of no-basetype small electric lamps having a plurality of no-base type smallelectric lamps and conductors for serially connecting these no-base typesmall electric lamps, these no-base type small electric lamps beinggathered, mounted to said electric lamp mount part and contained withinsaid outer shell; and a support body, extended from the substrate, forsupporting said serially connected body of no-base type small electriclamps within said outer shell. Thereby, since the serially connectedbody of no-base type small electric lamps to be mounted to the electriclamp mount part and contained within the outer shell is supported by thesupport body, the vibrationproof of the serially connected body ofno-base type small electric lamps can be improved and it is possible tosupport the serially connected body of no-base type small electric lampsat a prescribed position within the outer shell.

Also, the present invention has a globe having an opening and a lighttransmitting part; an outer shell having an opening for connecting theglobe in which an opening of the globe is connected to one end, andproviding at the other end a substrate having a relatively slenderopening for connecting power supply, compared with the opening forconnecting the globe; an attachment having a sheet part, an electriclamp mount part and an extended part of a support body that are engagedwithin the opening of said substrate for connecting the globe; aserially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps having aplurality of no-base type small electric lamps and conductors forserially connecting these no-base type small electric lamps, theseno-base type small electric lamps being gathered and mounted to theelectric lamp mount part of said attachment, and conductors of both endsbeing led to the opening for connecting power supply of said substrate,passing through the attachment; and a support body, extended from thesupport stand part of said attachment, for supporting said seriallyconnected body of no-base type small electric lamps within said outershell. Thereby, since the serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps to be mounted to the electric lamp mount part of theattachment and contained within the outer shell is supported by thesupport body extended from the support stand part of the attachment, thevibrationproof of the serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps can be improved and it is possible to support theserially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps at aprescribed position within the outer shell, and what is more, it ispossible to share the outer shell and easily combine different electriclamp types by the attachment, thereby providing a diversified electriclamp device.

Further, the present invention has a globe having an opening and a lighttransmitting part; an outer shell having an opening for connecting theglobe in which an opening of the globe is connected to one end, andproviding at the other end a substrate having a relatively slenderopening for connecting power supply, compared with the opening forconnecting the globe; an electric lamp mount part arranged in asubstrate within the outer shell; a serially connected body of no-basetype small electric lamps having a plurality of no-base type smallelectric lamps having sealed parts, these no-base type small electriclamps being gathered and serially connected, and the sealed parts ofno-base type small electric lamps being supported by said electric lampmount part and contained within said outer shell. Thereby, since thesealed parts of no-base type small electric lamps are supported by theelectric lamp mount part, the vibrationproof of the serially connectedbody of no-base type small electric lamps can be improved and it ispossible to support the serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps at a prescribed position within the outer shell.

Still further, the present invention has a globe having an opening and alight transmitting part; an outer shell having an opening for connectingthe globe in which an opening of the globe is connected to one end,providing at the other end a substrate having a relatively slenderopening for connecting power supply, compared with the opening forconnecting the globe, and having a guide tube part opened toward theopening for connecting the globe and connected to the opening forconnecting power supply; an attachment having a sheet part engagedwithin the opening for connecting the globe of said substrate, anelectric lamp mount part and a tube part engaged within the guide tubepart of the substrate and connected to the electric lamp mount part; andelectric lamps mounted to the electric lamp mount part of theattachment. Thereby, it is possible to share the outer shell and easilycombine different electric lamp types by the attachment, therebyproviding a diversified electric lamp device.

Still further, the support body has an insulating support part in whicha conductor support groove to which conductors of a serially connectedbody of no-base type small electric lamps are formed and a post by whichthe insulating support part is supported. Thereby, since the supportbody has the insulating support part forming the conductor supportgroove, the conductors of the serially connected body of no-base typesmall electric lamps can be supported.

Still further, the support body has an insulating support part, in whicha plurality of conductor support grooves to which a plurality ofconductors for serially connecting a plurality of no-base type smallelectric lamps of a serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps are formed, and a post by which the insulating supportpart is supported. Thereby, since the support body has the insulatingsupport part that forms a plurality of conductor support grooves, it ispossible to support a plurality of conductors with different potentialswith a single insulating support part and simplify the construction.

Still further, the serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps has an intermediate connecting body and the support bodysupports the intermediate connecting body of said serially connectedbody of no-base type small electric lamps. Thereby, since a part of theintermediate joint part of the serially connected body of no-base typesmall electric lamps can be easily hooked up with the support body, itis possible to improve the supporting performance of the the seriallyconnected body of no-base type small electric lamps.

Still further, the support body forms a conductive path of the seriallyconnected body of no-base type small electric lamps at its one end.Thereby, it is possible to simplify the power flow structure for theconnector for no-base type small electric lamps.

Still further, the attachment has a plurality of projections forsupporting conductors of the serially connected body of no-base typesmall electric lamps and separating no-base type small electric lampsfrom the attachment. Thereby, it is possible to prevent temperatures ofthe attachment and the substrate from rising that otherwise occurs dueheat generation during the while the no-base type small electric lampsare on.

Still further, no-base type small electric lamps of the the seriallyconnected body of no-base type small electric lamps are each made as aboth-end-sealed type structure and arranged almost in parallel with anaxial direction of the outer shell, and, the conductor has a firstconductor part that is arranged at ends of no-base type small electriclamps apart from the substrate and a second conductor part that isarranged at ends of no-base type small electric lamps close to thesubstrate, the support body supports the first conductor part of saidserially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps, and theattachment has a plurality of projections for supporting the secondconductor part of said serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps and separating no-base type small electric lamps from theattachment. Thereby, since the first conductor part of the seriallyconnected body of no-base type small electric lamps is supported by thesupport body and the second conductor part of the serially connectedbody of no-base type small electric lamps is supported by theprojections, it is possible to firmly support the no-base type smallelectric lamps of the serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps at both ends, thereby improving vibrationproofing.

Still further, no-base type small electric lamps are sealed with a xenongas in the glass bulbs. Therefore, it is possible to make them compact,long-life and high-efficiency.

Still further, the globe is freely occluded with and dissociated fromthe substrate and provides a first water scaling means for water-sealingsaid globe and substrate. Therefore, it is possible to replace bulbsinside, and an outdoor use is also possible.

Still further, the globe is freely occluded with and dissociated fromthe substrate and provides a second water sealing means forwater-sealing said globe and attachment, a third water sealing means forwater-sealing said attachment and substrate, and a fourth water sealingmeans for water-scaling the guide tube part of said substrate and thetube part of the attachment. Thereby, it is possible to replace bulbsinside, and an outdoor use as well as an improvement in waterproofing isalso possible.

Still further, the globe is freely occluded with and dissociated fromthe substrate and provides a second water sealing means forwater-sealing said globe and attachment, a third water sealing means forwater-sealing said attachment and substrate, a fourth water sealingmeans for water-sealing the guide tube part of said substrate and thetube part of the attachment, and a pressure control means for adjustingpressure, both inside and outside the globe, by controlling said fourthwater sealing means when pressure inside a space enclosed with saidglobe and attachment rises above a prescribed pressure value. Thereby,it is possible to replace bulbs inside, and an outdoor use as well as animprovement in waterproofing is possible, and what is more, sincepressure inside the globe is adjusted by the pressure control means, itis possible to prevent dewing inside the globe.

Still further, the globe is formed by molding a colored transparentsynthetic resin. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electric lampdevice with a large quantity of colored light.

Still further, the base that is mounted to the opening for connectingpower supply of the substrate is provided. Thereby, a usage similar tothat of incandescent lamps is made possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an electric lamp device showing a firstembodiment according to the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a top view showing a condition of the same electric lampdevice after removing a globe,

FIG. 3 is a side view of a substrate of the same electric lamp device,

FIG. 4 is a top view of the same substrate,

FIG. 5 is a side view of an attachment of the same electric lamp device,

FIG. 6 is a top view of the same attachment,

FIG. 7 is a side view of the same electric lamp device,

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an electric lamp device showing a secondembodiment according to the present invention,

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an electric lamp device showing a thirdembodiment according to the present invention,

FIG. 10 is a top view showing a condition of the same electric lampdevice after removing a globe,

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an electric lamp device showing a fourthembodiment according to the present invention,

FIG. 12 is a top view showing a condition of the same electric lampdevice after removing a globe,

FIG. 13 is a partially sectional view of an electric lamp device showinga fifth embodiment according to the present invention,

FIG. 14 is a top view of a serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps of the same electric lamp device viewed through a globe,

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the serially connected body of no-basetype small electric lamps and the support body of the same electric lampdevice,

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an electric lamp device showing a sixthembodiment according to the present invention,

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a serially connected body of no-basetype small electric lamps of the same electric lamp device,

FIG. 18 is a partially sectional view of an electric lamp device showinga seventh embodiment according to the present invention,

FIG. 19 is a top view of a serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps of the same electric lamp device during lighttransmission,

FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of the serially connected body of no-basetype small electric lamps of the same electric lamp device,

FIG. 21 is a side view of an electric lamp device showing an eighthembodiment according to the present invention,

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of an electric lamp device showing a ninthembodiment according to the present invention,

FIG. 23 is a top view showing a condition of the same electric lampdevice after removing a globe,

FIG. 24 is a side view showing a developed condition of a seriallyconnected body of no-base type small electric lamps of the same electriclamp device,

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing an arrangement of the sameserially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps,

FIG. 26 is a side view of an electric lamp device showing a tenthembodiment according to the present invention,

FIG. 27 is a side view of an electric lamp device showing an eleventhembodiment according to the present invention, and

FIG. 28 is a side view of an electric lamp device showing an twelfthembodiment according to the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments according to the present invention are described along withdrawings in the following.

FIG. 1 through FIG. 7 show a first embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an electric lamp device, FIG. 2 is a topview showing a condition of the electric lamp device after removing aglobe, FIG. 3 is a side view of a substrate, FIG. 4 is a top view of thesubstrate, FIG. 5 is a side view of an attachment, FIG. 6 is a top viewof the attachment, and FIG. 7 is a side view of the electric lampdevice.

In these figures, a reference numeral 1 is an outer shell, a referencenumeral 2 is a base, a reference numeral 3 is an attachment, a referencenumeral 4 is a serially connected body of no-base type small electriclamps, and a reference numeral 5 is a support body. First, the outershell 1 is composed of a globe 11 and a substrate 12.

The globe 11 is made of a transparent glass, for example, and an entirebody is formed as a light transmitting part 13, in which an opening 14is formed at one end and an open end 15 to be connected to a substrate12 is formed in a periphery of the opening 14.

The substrate 12 is formed with a substantially light transmittingmaterial, such as BMC. At one end, there is formed a relatively wideopening for connecting the globe 11 which is to be connected to the openend 15 of the globe 11, and at the other end, there is formed arelatively narrow opening for connecting power supply 17, and in amiddle part, there is formed a guide tube part 19, which is connected toa skirt part 18 and the opening for connecting power supply 17 andopened toward the opening for connecting the globe 16 within thesubstrate 12, is formed.

At the opening for connecting the globe 16, there is formed a peripheralslit 20 with which the open end 15 of the globe 11 is engaged, and inthe peripheral slit 20, there are formed monolithically and scatteredinto several points ribs 21 for floating the open end 15 of the globe11.

In the periphery of the opening for connecting power supply 17, there isformed a threaded groove 22.

On an inside face of the skirt part 18, a boss 24 providing a fittinghole 23 is monolithically formed. In the skirt part 18, there are formedsmall holes 25 passing through the skirt part 18. These small holes 25,as described later, are intended to relieve pressure of a space formedby the globe 11 and the attachment 3.

Also, to connect the globe 11 to the substrate 12, first a silicon bond26 is charged to the peripheral groove 20 of the substrate 12, and thenthe open end 15 of the globe 11 is inserted into the peripheral groove20. When the silicon bond 26 is hardened, the outer shell 1 iscompleted. As described later, since the peripheral groove 20 is formedjointly by a peripheral edge of the attachment 3 and the substrate 12,the globe 11 is bonded air-tight to the attachment 3, too. Thus, in thisinstance the silicon bond 26 also functions as a first water sealingmeans for water-sealing the globe 11 and the attachment 3.

Further, the base 2 is the threaded E26 type and is mounted to theopening for connecting power supply 17 by screwing the threaded groove22.

Still further, the attachment 3 has a sheet part 31, an electric lampmount part 32, a support stand part 33, projections 34, a threadedinsert hole 35 and a tube part 36.

The sheet part 31 is occluded within the opening for connecting theglobe 16 of the substrate 12 and forms a part of the peripheral groove20 of the opening for connecting the globe 16 by a peripheral edge.

The electric lamp mount part 32 is formed protruding from the sheet part31 toward the globe 11 in the center of the attachment 3, and there fourconductor holes 37 are formed at equal intervals.

The support stand part 33 is formed with a hole part 38 that is formedin the center of the attachment 3.

Projections 34 are formed adjacent to the conductor holes 37 of theelectric lamp mount part 32.

The threaded insert hole 35 is formed in a position opposing to the boss24 of the substrate of the sheet part 31.

The tube part 36 is protruding and opened toward a rear face of theattachment 3, and a peripheral groove 39 is formed around it. As shownin FIG. 5, a part of the peripheral groove 39 is connected to a concavepart 40 formed on the sheet part 31 side, and a shallow vertical groove41 is formed from the concave part 40 to an upper half of the peripheralgroove 39. In the peripheral groove 39, an O-ring 42 is mounted.Normally, the O-ring 42 does not cross the vertical groove 41. Also, theO-ring 42 is used as a water sealing means for water-sealing the tubepart 36 and the guide tube part 19 of the substrate 12. Further, theconcave part 40, the vertical groove 41 and the O-ring 42, as describedlater, form a pressure control means 43 for adjusting pressure insideand outside the globe 11.

Also, the attachment 3 is fixed to the substrate 12 by screwing tapscrews 44 into the boss 24 of the substrate 12.

Further, the serially connected body of no-base type small electriclamps 4 has four no-base type small electric lamps 51 and conductors 52for serially connecting these no-base type small electric lamps 51.

No-base type small electric lamps 51 are a both-end-sealed typestructure and each provides a slender valve 53, a filament 54 sealedinside the valve 53, seal parts 55 of a pinch seal type formed at bothends of the valve 53, and looped external lead wires 56 extended fromthe seal parts 55.

No-base type small electric lamps 51 are each of a specification such asa valve diameter of 10 mm, an overall length of 43 mm, and with a xenongas sealed as an inactive gas, a nominal rated voltage of 26V, nominalpower consumption of 10.6 W, a flux of 112 lm, a color temperature of2600 K, and a rated longevity of 6,000 hrs. Additionally, as anotherspecification, nominal power consumption of 10 W, a flux of 90 lm, acolor temperature of 2500 K, and a rated longevity of 20,000 hrs is alsoavailable.

Also, No-base type small electric lamps 51 are each arranged so as itstube axis is in parallel with an axial direction of the globe 11 and atequal intervals along a coaxial circle of an axis of the globe 11.

Conductors 52 each has intermediate conductors 57 to be connected tofour no-base type small electric lamps 51 and end conductors 58,provided at both ends, to be connected to ends of no-base type smallelectric lamps 51, and these intermediate conductors 57 and endconductors 58 are connected mechanically and electrically to externallead wires 56 of no-base type small electric lamps 51. That is, anexternal lead wire 56 of each no-base type small electric lamp 51 on thetop side of the globe 11 is connected by two intermediate conductors 57and an external lead wire 56 of the no-base type small electric lamp 51on the attachment 3 side is connected by one intermediate conductor 57,and external lead wires 56 at both ends of the no-base type smallelectric lamp 51 are connected to end conductors 58, and thus they areconnected serially as a whole.

Also, though not illustrated in drawings, both the intermediateconductor 57 and the end conductor 58 are inserted through a conductorhole 37 of the electric lamp mount part 32. That is, the intermediateconductor 57 of its both ends is inserted from a rear face side of theattachment 3 into the conductor hole 37, and on the front face side ofthe attachment 3, spot-welded to the external lead wire 56. Endconductors 58 at both ends are extended to the rear side of theattachment 3 and connected to the base 2.

Additionally, intermediate conductors 57 positioned on the top side ofthe globe 11 are formed as first conductor parts and intermediate jointparts, and intermediate conductors 57 and end conductors 58 positionedon the substrate 12 side are formed as second conductor parts.

Also, the support body 5 has a post 61 and an insulating support part62.

The post 61 is a metal rod and embedded into the hole part 38 of thesupport stand part 33.

The insulating support part 62 is made of an insulating polyamide resinand fixed to a top end of the support 61, and a pair of curved conductorsupport grooves 63 are formed in a bottom face.

Also, to the conductor support grooves 63 of the insulating support part62, intermediate conductors 57 that form first conductor parts andintermediate joint parts are fixed with a bond by positioning them aboveserial connectors for no-base type small electric lamps 4.

Like this, since the serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps 4 is supported, at its top and bottom, by the supportbody 5 and the attachment 3, a mechanically sufficient strength can beattained against external vibrations.

Also, when pressure in the space formed with the globe 11 and theattachment 3 rises during lighting the electric lamp device, the O-ring42 is pushed and deformed by the concave part 40 of the peripheralgroove 39 of the attachment 3 (see FIG. 5; however, the O-ring 42 is notillustrated there) and the O-ring 6 crosses the vertical groove 41.Then, air in said space enters into the tube part 36 by passing throughconductor holes 37 of the attachment 3, and further the air isdischarged outside the electric lamp device from small holes 25 of thesubstrate 12 by passing through a gap between the tube part 36 and theguide tube part 19, a gap between the O-ring 42 and the vertical groove41, and a gap between the guide tube part 19 and the sheet part 31 ofthe attachment 3.

On the other hand, when the electric lamp device is put off and theglobe 11 is cooled, the internal pressure is lowered but air is stoppedby the O-ring 42 and does not enter from the outside. Therefore, insidethe globe 11, dewing of moisture that may be brought from the outside bya breathing due to repeated on-off operations never occurs.

Additionally, this electric lamp device has the globe 11 with a maximumoutside diameter of 70 mm and an overall length of 140 mm, and a powerconsumption of approx. 40 W.

An electric lamp device composed as described above has operationaleffects, as follows.

Since the serially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps 4that is mounted to the electric lamp mount part 32 of the attachment 3and contained in the outer shell 1 is supported by the support body 5extended from the support stand part 33 of the attachment 3, it ispossible to improve vibrationproof of the serially connected body ofno-base type small electric lamps 4 and support the serially connectedbody of no-base type small electric lamps 4 in a prescribed positionwithin the outer shell 1, and what is more, it is possible to share theouter shell 1 and easily combine different electric lamp types by theattachment 3, thereby providing a diversified electric lamp device.Also, the support body 5 has the insulating support part 62, in which aplurality of conductor support grooves 63 to which a plurality ofconductors 52 of the serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps 4 for serially connecting a plurality of no-base typesmall electric lamps 51 are formed, and the post 61 by which theinsulating support part 62 is supported. Since the support body 5 hasthe insulating support part 62 in which a plurality of conductor supportgrooves 63 are formed, it is possible to support a plurality ofconductors 52 with different potentials by a single insulating supportpart 62, thereby enabling simplification.

Also, the serially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps 4has an intermediate joint part and the support body 5 supports theintermediate joint part of the serially connected body of no-base typesmall electric lamps 4. Since a part of the intermediate joint part ofthe serially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps 4 canbe easily hooked up with the support body 5, it is possible to improvethe supporting performance of the the serially connected body of no-basetype small electric lamps 4.

Further, the attachment 3 has a plurality of projections 34 forsupporting conductors 54 of the serially connected body of no-base typesmall electric lamps 4 and separating no-base type small electric lamps51 from the attachment. Thereby, it is possible to prevent temperaturesof the attachment 3 and the substrate 12 from rising that otherwiseoccurs due heat generation during the while the no-base type smallelectric lamps 51 are on.

Still further, no-base type small electric lamps 51 of the the seriallyconnected body of no-base type small electric lamps 4 are each made as aboth-end-sealed type structure and arranged almost in parallel with anaxial direction of the outer shell 1, and, the conductor 52 has a firstconductor part that is arranged at ends of no-base type small electriclamps 51 apart from the substrate 12 and a second conductor part that isarranged at ends of no-base type small electric lamps 51 close to thesubstrate 12, the support body 5 supports the first conductor part ofthe serially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps 4, andthe attachment 3 has a plurality of projections 34 for supporting thesecond conductor of the serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps 4 and separating no-base type small electric lamps 51from the attachment 3. Thereby, since the first conductor part of theserially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps 4 issupported by the support body 5 and the second conductor part of theserially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps 4 issupported by the projections 34, it is possible to firmly support theno-base type small electric lamps 51 of the serially connected body ofno-base type small electric lamps 4 at both ends, thereby improvingvibrationproofing.

Still further, no-base type small electric lamps 51 are sealed with axenon gas in glass bulbs 53. Therefore, it is possible to make themcompact, long-life and high-efficiency.

Still further, by bonding the globe 11 and the joint part of thesubstrate 12 and by seal-fixing the attachment 3 to the substrate 12,water-sealing is easily possible, thereby enabling an outdoor use aswell as an indoor use. Also, since the pressure control means 43 isprovided, which adjusts pressure both inside and outside the globe 11 bycontrolling the O-ring 42 when pressure inside the space enclosed withthe globe 11 and the attachment 3 rises a prescribed pressure value, itis possible to prevent dewing inside the globe.

Still further, the base 2 that is mounted to the opening for connectingpower supply 17 of the substrate 12 is provided. Thereby, enabling theelectric lamp device to allow replacement between ordinary electriclamps for lighting with rated power consumption values of 20 to 100 W.

Still further, since no-base type small electric lamps 51 light at a lowvoltage, essentially long life design is available, and a ratedlongevity under an AC condition of 5,000 to 30,000 hrs can be attained.Also, since lamps of this type have been used for automobiles and soundequipment and high reliability lamps that are relatively free of adifference in longevity can easily be obtained, the reliability does notextremely fall short even by serial connection. Therefore, it ispossible to make the electric lamp device extremely long-life, comparedwith an ordinary electric lamp for lighting.

Still further, it is possible to mount different types of electric lampsonly by changing the attachment 3. That is, in the substrate 12, theguide tube part 19 that is connected to the opening for connecting powersupply 17 and opened toward the opening for connecting the globe 16 isformed inside. Also, in the attachment 3, the tube part 36 that isengaged with the guide tube 19 of the substrate 12 is formed. Theelectric lamp mount part 32 can be designed properly for electric lampsto be mounted. Accordingly, when a single electric lamp having athreaded base like a krypton lamp, for example, is to be mounted, athreaded socket matching an E17 type base may be arranged for theelectric lamp mount part 32. Also, when a single low-voltage halogenlamp is to be mounted, a socket matching its G4 or GY6.35 type base maybe arranged. Additionally, a rated longevity of both a krypton lamp anda low-voltage halogen lamp is 2,000 hrs, and it is 1,000 times the lifeof an ordinary electric lamp for lighting.

Incidentally, the globe 11 may be formed by molding a coloredtransparent synthetic resin, and thereby it is possible to providecolored electric lamps with a large quantity of light, compared toconventional electric lamps.

Next, FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment according to the presentinvention.

Additionally, with regard to structures and operational effects similarto those of the first embodiment, same symbols are used and theirdescriptions are omitted.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an electric lamp device.

In this second embodiment, the electric lamp mount part 32 of theattachment is formed swelling in an arc shape. Since a light of no-basetype small electric lamps 51 is reflected by the electric lamp mountpart 32, it is possible to improve flux distribution.

Also, at a lower part of the hole part 38 of the support stand part 33,there is provided a lock groove 71, and a bottom end of a post 61 of thesupport body 5 is connected to the lock groove 71. Thereby, the supportbody 5 and the serially connected body of no-base type small electriclamps 4 can be locked. Also, since the attachment 3 is fixed by screwingtap screws 44 from an outside of the substrate 12 into the same, theserially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps 4 does notdisturb operation of tap screws 44 even when it is mounted to theattachment 3, thereby facilitating operation of the tap screws 44.

Next, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show a third embodiment according to thepresent invention.

Additionally, with regard to structures and operational effects similarto those of the aforementioned embodiments, same symbols are used andtheir descriptions are omitted.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an electric lamp device, and FIG. 10 is atop view showing a condition of the electric lamp device after removinga globe.

In this third embodiment, krypton lamps 81 are used, and the globe 11 ismade freely occluded and dissociated to enable replacement of thekrypton lamps 81. The globe 11 is made of a polycarbonate resin, and byroughing an inside face by sand blasting, it is made light-diffusing.Also, at the open end 15 of the globe 11, there is formed a loop convex82 that functions as a stopper when inserting the globe 11. The loopconvex 82 also works to enhance the open end 15.

The substrate 12 and the base 2 are the same as the parts used in thefirst embodiment (FIG. 1).

In the sheet part 31 of the attachment 3, there is formed a peripheralgroove 83 around its periphery, and an O-ring 82 is arranged inside theperipheral groove 83.

The electric lamp mount part 32 of the attachment 3 is opened to theglobe 11 side, and an E17 type socket 85 is arranged inside.

The base 2 of the tube part 36 of the attachment 3 is closed so as toarrange the socket 85.

A pair of terminals 86 and 87 of the socket 85 are connected to the base2.

Thus, it is possible to compose an electric lamp device which makestransparent and small-bulb krypton lamps 81 light-diffusing and has amassive appearance similar to that of ordinary electric lamps forlighting or bulb type fluorescent lamps having large bulb sizes.

Since the krypton lamp 81 has a rated longevity of 2,000 hrs, which islong compared with an ordinary electric lamp for lighting but shortcompared with the rated longevity of at least 10,000 hrs obtained by thefirst embodiment, that replacement is possible is convenient in case thelamp is burned. That is, it is possible to replace the krypton lamp 81by pulling off and removing the globe 11. After replacing, the globe 11is inserted again to the opening for connecting the globe 16 of thesubstrate 12, so that an internal face of the open end 15 of the globe11 is pressure-fitted to the O-ring 84 and thereby an inside of theglobe 11 can be water-sealed.

Additionally, the electric lamp device of this embodiment provides thefirst through fourth water sealing means. The first water sealing meansfor water-sealing the globe 11 and the substrate 12 is formed with apacking and the like lying between the globe 11 and the substrate 12.The second water sealing means for water-sealing the globe 11 and thesubstrate 12 is formed with the O-ring 84. The third water sealing meansfor water-sealing the attachment 3 and the substrate 12 is formed with apacking, a silicon sealer and the like lying between the attachment 3and the substrate 12 or between the attachment 3 and tapping screws 44.The fourth water sealing means for water-sealing the guide tube part 19of the substrate 12 and the tube part 36 of the attachment 3 is formedwith the O-ring 42.

An electric lamp device composed as described above has operationaleffects, as follows.

It is possible to share the outer shell 1 and easily combine differentelectric lamp types by the attachment 3, thereby providing a diversifiedelectric lamp device.

Also, since the globe 11 is freely occluded with and dissociated fromthe substrate 12 and provides the first water sealing means forwater-sealing the globe 11 and the substrate 12, it is possible toreplace krypton lamps 81 inside, and an outdoor use is also possible.

Further, since the globe 11 is freely occluded with and dissociated fromthe substrate 12 and provides the second water sealing means forwater-sealing the globe 11 and the attachment 3, the third water sealingmeans for water-sealing the attachment 3 and the substrate 12, thefourth water sealing means for water-sealing the guide tube part 19 ofthe substrate 12 and the tube part 36 of the attachment 3, and thepressure control means 43 for adjusting pressure, both inside andoutside the globe 11, by controlling the fourth water sealing means whenpressure inside the space enclosed with the globe 11 and the attachment3 rises above a prescribed pressure value, it is possible to replacebulbs inside, and an outdoor use as well as an improvement inwaterproofing is possible, and what is more, since pressure inside theglobe 11 is adjusted by the pressure control means 43, it is possible toprevent dewing inside the globe 11.

Next, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show a fourth embodiment according to thepresent invention.

Additionally, with regard to structures and operational effects similarto those of the aforementioned embodiments, same symbols are used andtheir descriptions are omitted.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an electric lamp device, and FIG. 12 is atop view showing a condition of the same electric lamp device afterremoving a globe.

In this fourth embodiment, as no-base type small electric lamps 51,bulbs of a one-side-sealed type and with a low voltage, such as a ratedvoltage of 12V or 24V, are used.

With regard to the attachment 3, the electric lamp mount 32 is formedhigher than the sheet part 31, and a pin-shaped socket 91 is attached tothe electric lamp mount 32.

The globe 11 and the substrate 12 are the same as the parts used in thethird embodiment.

The base 2 is composed so that it is not mounted to the opening forconnecting power supply 17 of the substrate 12 and the threaded groove22 of the substrate 12 is connected directly to a body of a lightingapparatus.

Next, FIG. 13 through FIG. 15 show a fifth embodiment according to thepresent invention.

Additionally, with regard to structures and operational effects similarto those of the aforementioned embodiments, same symbols are used andtheir descriptions are omitted.

FIG. 13 is a partially sectional view of an electric lamp device, FIG.14 is a top view of a serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps of the same electric lamp device viewed through a globe,and FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the serially connected body ofno-base type small electric lamps and the support body of the sameelectric lamp device.

In this fifth embodiment, the globe 11 of the outer shell 1 is made of atransparent glass. In a middle part of the substrate 12 of the outershell 1, there is formed a bulkhead part 101 positioned inside the skirtpart 18, and the electric lamp mount 32 and the support stand part 33are formed in the bulkhead part 101. In the electric lamp mount 32,there are formed a pair of conductor holes 37 and a stopper hole 102.

For each conductors 52 of the serially connected body of no-base typesmall electric lamps 4, an insert part 103 that is inserted to thestopper hole 102 is formed in a middle part of the intermediateconductor 57 on the substrate 12 side.

A pair of conductor support grooves 63 are formed in a top face of theinsulating support part 62 of the support body 5. Also, one intermediateconductor 57 positioned above the serially connected body of no-basetype small electric lamps 4 is engaged and fixed with a bond to oneconductor support groove 63 of the insulating support part 62, and theother intermediate conductor 57 is engaged and fixed with a bond to theother conductor support groove 63. Further, the insert part 103 of anintermediate conductor 57 positioned below the serially connected bodyof no-base type small electric lamps 4 is inserted to the stopper hole102 of the substrate 12 and fixed with a bond. As a result, the seriallyconnected body of no-base type small electric lamps 4 is supported atits top and bottom is supported by the support body 5 and the bulkhead101 in an intermediate joint part, and thereby a mechanically sufficientstrength is obtained against externally applied vibrations.

Additionally, this electric lamp device has the globe 11 with a maximumoutside diameter of 80 mm and an overall length of 115 mm, and a powerconsumption of approx. 40 W.

In an electric lamp device composed as described above, since theserially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps 4 that ismounted to the electric lamp device 32 of the substrate 12 and containedwithin the outer shell 1 is supported by the support body 5 extendedfrom the substrate 12 side, it is possible to improve vibrationproofingof the serially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps 4and support the serially connected body of no-base type small electriclamps 4 in a prescribed position within the outer shell 1.

Next, FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 show a sixth embodiment according to thepresent invention.

Additionally, with regard to structures and operational effects similarto those of the aforementioned embodiments, same symbols are used andtheir descriptions are omitted.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an electric lamp device, and FIG. 17 isa perspective view of a serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps.

In this sixth embodiment, as the serially connected body of no-base typesmall electric lamps 4, three no-base type small electric lamps 51 sameas those used in the first embodiment are used.

In the serially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps 4,three no-base type small electric lamps 51 are connected serially by twointermediate conductors 57 and two end conductors 58. One end conductor58 is connected to the metal post 61.

In the insulating support part 62 of the support body 5, there is formedone conductor support groove 63, and the post 61 is protruding above theinsulating support part 62.

Also, the base 2 is composed so that it is not mounted to the openingfor connecting power supply 17 of the substrate 12 and the threadedgroove 22 of the substrate 12 is connected directly to a body of alighting apparatus. Further, the post 61 can jointly be used as oneconductive path of the connector for no-base type small electric lamps4. Additionally, this electric lamp device has a power consumption ofapprox. 30 W.

Next, FIG. 18 through FIG. 20 show a seventh embodiment according to thepresent invention.

Additionally, with regard to structures and operational effects similarto those of the aforementioned embodiments, same symbols are used andtheir descriptions are omitted.

FIG. 18 is a partially sectional view of an electric lamp device, FIG.19 is a top view of a serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps during light transmission, and FIG. 20 is a circuitdiagram of the serially connected body of no-base type small electriclamps.

In this seventh embodiment, as the serially connected body of no-basetype small electric lamps 4, two sets of parts same as those used in thesixth embodiment are used in a parallel connection, and the support body5 is composed so as to cope with the serially connected body of no-basetype small electric lamps 4.

Additionally, this electric lamp device has a power consumption ofapprox. 60 W. Next, FIG. 21 shows an eighth embodiment according to thepresent invention.

Additionally, with regard to structures and operational effects similarto those of the aforementioned embodiments, same symbols are used andtheir descriptions are omitted.

FIG. 21 is a side view of an electric lamp device

In this eighth embodiment, as no-base type small electric lamps 51,bulbs of a one-side-sealed type are used, and a reflection film 111 isformed on the top side of the globe 11. This electric lamp device isapplicable to indirect lighting.

Next, FIG. 22 through FIG. 25 show an ninth embodiment according to thepresent invention.

Additionally, with regard to structures and operational effects similarto those of the aforementioned embodiments, same symbols are used andtheir descriptions are omitted.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of an electric lamp device, FIG. 23 is a topview showing a condition after removing a globe, FIG. 24 is a side viewshowing a developed condition of a serially connected body of no-basetype small electric lamps, and FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing anarrangement of the serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps.

In this ninth embodiment, as the serially connected body of no-base typesmall electric lamps 4, four pieces of one-side-sealed type no-base typesmall electric lamps 51, with a bulb diameter of 5 mm and a nominalrated voltage of 28V, for example, are used. These four no-base typesmall electric lamps 51 are serially connected, and the connection iseffected by directly spot-welding external lead wires 56 of neighboringno-base type small electric lamps 51. To the lead wires 56 of theno-base type small electric lamps 51 located at both ends of theserially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps 4, endconductors 58 respectively having a length necessary for connecting tothe base 2 are connected.

The outer shell 1 has the globe 11 and the substrate 12, and the base 2is mounted to the substrate 12.

Inside the substrate, there are mounted seal parts 55 of gatheredno-base type small electric lamps 51, and the electric mount 32 formechanical support is formed. Around the opening for connecting theglobe 16 of the substrate 12, there are formed four stopper claws 122 at90° intervals around a step part 121 (see FIG. 23).

The electric lamp mount part 32, coping with four pieces of no-base typesmall electric lamps 51, is formed in a sheet shape protruding upwardfrom a bottom part the substrate 12 so that the seal part 55 of eachno-base type small electric lamp 51 is stopped and held. To hold theseno-base type small electric lamps 51, either the seal part 55 ispressure-inserted to the electric lamp mount 32 or fixed with a bond, orboth.

Each of the no-base type small electric lamps 51 held by the electriclamp mount 51, as shown in FIG. 22, is arranged with axes of slenderbulbs 53 arranged almost in parallel with each other within the outershell 1, and further, as shown in FIG. 23, arranged within the outershell 1 so that axes of bulbs 53 are positioned coaxially around an axisof the outer shell 1.

The globe 11 is formed in a slender T-shape, and its inner bottomperiphery is engaged and unified with an outer periphery of the steppart 121 of the substrate 12. At the inner bottom periphery of the globe11, there is formed a concave groove 123 for engaging with the stopperclaws 122 that protrude from the step part 121 of the substrate 12.Further, since the concave groove 123 of the globe 11 is engaged withthe stopper claws 122 of the substrate 12 by pushing a bottom endopening of the globe 11 into the substrate 12 along the step part 121 ofthe substrate 12, the globe 11 and the substrate 12 are unified, andthereby the outer shell 1 is formed. Additionally, as needed, a bond maybe applied to joint parts of the globe 11 and the substrate 12 to enableair-tight or liquid-tight sealing.

The base 2 is an E12 type base is used.

Also, in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, a process to attain a serially connectedbody of no-base type small electric lamps of no-base type small electriclamps 51 is shown wherein, external lead wires 56 of neighboring no-basetype small electric lamps 51 are spot-welded and end conductors 58 aredirectly spot-welded to external lead wires 56 of no-base type smallelectric lamps 51 at both ends. Further, after shaping no-base typesmall electric lamps 51 for containing them into the outer shell 1, eachof the no-base type small electric lamps 51 is held at each electriclamp mount 32 of the substrate 12. In an electric lamp device composedas described above, since the seal part 55 of each of no-base type smallelectric lamps 51 is supported by the electric lamp mount 32, it ispossible to improve vibrationproof of the serially connected body ofno-base type small electric lamps 4 and support the serially connectedbody of no-base type small electric lamps 4 in a prescribed positionwithin the outer shell 1.

Next, FIG. 26 through FIG. 28 show a tenth, eleventh and twelfthembodiments according to the present invention.

Additionally, for composition other than the outer shell 1 shown in theninth embodiment, which is the same as that of the ninth embodiment,same symbols are used and their descriptions are omitted.

In the tenth embodiment shown in FIG. 26, the globe 11 of the outershell 1 is formed in a small ball bulb shape.

In the eleventh embodiment shown in FIG. 27, the globe 11 of the outershell 1 is formed in a transparent bulb shape.

In the twelfth embodiment shown in FIG. 28, the globe 11 of the outershell 1 is formed in a chandelier bulb shape.

Definitions of terminologies used for the present invention and theirtechnical meanings are described in the following.

First, an outer shell is described.

The outer shell contains no-base type small electric lamps inside andmechanically protects the no-base type small electric lamps.

The outer shell is formed with components including a globe and asubstrate and, as needed, it can be used for optically processing lightemission from no-base type small electric lamps. For example, when theouter shell is formed with a transparent colored synthetic resin, it ispossible to obtain colored electric lamps with a large quantity oflight, compared to conventional electric lamps. Also, it is possible toprovide light-diffusing electric lamps either by using a light-diffusingmaterial, or forming a light-diffusing film in an outside face or aninside face of the outer shell, or roughing a surface of the outershell. It is also possible to give a light-diffusing characteristic byforming prism parts in an inside face or an outside face of an outershell made of a transparent material.

A material used for the outer shell, particularly the globe, may befreely selected from a polycarbonate resin, other synthetic resins andthe like that provide electric insulation and a certain extent ofmechanical strength and have at least light-transmitting parts.

The substrate preferably be made of a synthetic resin and, for example,BMC (bulk molding compound), namely a mixture of a polyester resin andan inorganic filler, a polyethylene terephthalate resin or a polyamideresin.

A preferable composition of the outer shell is a globe made of a glasshaving an excellent light transmission, and a substrate made of asynthetic resin having an excellent workability. However, when the globeis formed with a synthetic resin, an acrylic resin, a polycarbonateresin and the like having an excellent light transmission may be used.

That the globe has a light-transmitting characteristic means that, inaddition to being an entirely light-transmitting globe body, the globemay be partially light-transmitting. For example, when a reflecting filmis formed at a semi-spherical part of a top part of the globe, it can beused for indirect lighting.

The substrate may have a light-transmitting characteristic, but it canalso be made non-light-transmitting, as needed.

Connection of the globe and the substrate can be done by using variousknow means, including a bond, welding, mechanical connection and thelike. However, when charged parts, such as conductors of a seriallyconnected body of no-base type small electric lamps, are exposed whenthe globe is removed, preferably the globe is fixed to the substrate,disabling free occlusion and dissociation.

An opening for connecting power supply of the substrate can be mountedwith a base having the same specification as that for ordinary electriclamps for lighting. Also, by connecting both ends of the seriallyconnected body of no-base type small electric lamps, a normal use asordinary electric lamps for lighting is made available by mounting anelectric lamp device according to the present invention.

It is also possible to compose a lighting apparatus by connecting a bodyof the lighting apparatus directly to the opening for connecting powersupply without mounting the base to the opening for connecting powersupply. In this instance, it is possible to connect both ends of theserially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps directly toa power supply.

For a shape of the outer shell, to provide electric lamps that areinterchangeable with ordinary electric lamps for lighting, a PS-type orG-type bulb shape like that of ordinary electric lamps for lighting ispreferable, but a T type (a date bulb shape) instead of the PS type mayalso be used. However, since the present invention is not merelyintended to replacement with ordinary electric lamps for lighting, theouter shell may take whatever shape. For example, a C type (a votivelight shape), the G type (small ball bulb shape), a chandelier bulbshape, types such as A, FE, GR, PAR, PS, R, RP, PK and S, and further,an optionally deformed shape such as a polyhedron shape, a concreteshape such as a fruit shape, and an abstract shape may also beavailable.

Next, an attachment is described.

The attachment at its sheet part is occluded inside a wide opening forconnecting a globe of a substrate. Preferably, the attachment forms anenclosed space in cooperation with the globe.

The attachment is fixed to the substrate with a fixture, a bond and thelike.

An electric lamp mount of the attachment supports no-base type smallelectric lamps, and at the same time, extends a pair of conductors,provided at both ends of a serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps, to an opening for connecting power supply.

A support stand part of the attachment is a part where a support body,either separated from or unified with the attachment, stands. That is,the support body is extended from the attachment.

Next, a serially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps isdescribed.

Of no-base type small electric lamps, the expression "no-base type"basically means an electric lamp that does not use a base made of ametal or a synthetic resin, for example, a pinch seal construction inwhich a bulb end is sealed pitch-molding, a bead seal construction inwhich sealing is done using glass beads, and a construction in which aglass bulb end is heated and melted by a burner. Also, for processing ofexternal lead wires, it is provided by a wedge base construction inwhich external lead wires are laid along the pinch-sealed part, aconstruction in which external lead wires protrude from the sealed parteither linearly or in a loop shape along a bulb axis direction.

Of no-base type small electric lamps, the expression "small" means anelectric lamp of which a bulb is small in size and small in volume, suchas a wedge base type electric lamp and a sub-miniature type electriclamp, and that is lit with a low nominal rated voltage which is about athird or less of a commercial power source voltage. For a bulb shape,various shapes are allowed, but preferably a slender shape like aT-shape bulb. Extension of external lead wires preferably be aboth-end-fixed construction in which they are extended from both ends,but a one-side-sealed type is also acceptable.

Of no-base type small electric lamps, the expression "electric lamps"means an incandescent lamp having a filament sealed inside a bulb. Aninactive gas is sealed inside the bulb. Since sealing particularly akrypton gas or a xenon gas that is large in atomic weight, small in heatconductivity can reduce a heat loss inside the bulb, it brings afavorable result in making the electric lamp smaller, longer life andmore efficient. Also, the above-mentioned tendency becomes morenoticeable as a pressure of a sealed gas is increased. Of course, itgoes without saying that a bulb construction that can withstand a highgas pressure under a high temperature condition during lighting.

Since no-base type small electric lamps are lit with a low voltage andhave thick filaments compared with ordinary electric lamps for lighting,and yet they are short in length, they have long service life and areresistive against vibrations.

To gather is to arrange a plurality of no-base type small electric lampsat small intervals so as to form a compact profile, and in particularviewed from an optional no-base type small electric lamp, preferably twoor more no-base type small electric lamps are arranged at smallintervals. A small interval is a distance of about 1.5 times orpreferably 1 time or less of a length of a bulb of such no-base typesmall electric lamps, and no-base type small electric lamp may toucheach other.

However, since being separated with a proper distance distributes heatgenerating parts, it is possible to control temperature increase.

Also, a preferable means to compactly gather no-base type small electriclamps is to arrange bulb axes in parallel and coaxially, and further,arrange the no-base type small electric lamps at equal intervals.Further, to contain these no-base type small electric lamps in an outershell, it is possible to provide electric lamps that have a favorableappearance and are compact by making axes of the outer shell and no-basetype small electric lamps the same. However, it is possible to divertsome no-base type small electric lamps from the remaining no-base typesmall electric lamps in an axial direction, and in this case, though alength along the axial direction of the outer shell is increased alittle, it is possible to reduce interference of light between no-basetype small electric lamps and increase an effective quantity of light.

To serially connect no-base type small electric lamps, external leadwires of these electric lamps may be connected directly or by means ofsuitable connection members, such as other conductors.

By setting a total of a nominal rated voltage of no-base type smallelectric lamps a little higher than a nominal power source voltage,luminous efficacy decreases a little but the difference is negligible,and on the other hand, it is possible to make the electric lamps farlonger life. When the total of the nominal rated voltage of no-base typesmall electric lamps a little higher than the nominal power sourcevoltage, generally a range of 100 to 120% or less or preferably110%0+/-5% is possible.

Next, a support body is described.

The support body is intended to support a serially connected body ofno-base type small electric lamps in a prescribed position, and it isextended from an attachment. Since no-base type small electric lampsindividually provide bulbs, unlike conventional ordinary electric lampsfor lighting in which filaments alone are supported, a weight is notnegligible and so the support must be one that is properly strongmechanically.

A method to support a serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps can be freely selected from various construction types,for example, bulbs may also be supported or it is also possible tosupport conductors that connect electric lamps or conductors that formend parts of the serially connected body of no-base type small electriclamps. By adding a mechanical strength to conductors that connectelectric lamps, it is possible to let them function as supports.

When conductors that form intermediate joints of electric lamps are tobe supported, it is preferable to make at least parts that directlysupport the intermediate joint parts insulating bodies. Then, it is alsopossible to support more than one intermediate joint parts at a time.Insulating support parts can be formed with a synthetic resin, such as apolyamide, or glass.

By using metal rods for parts standing from an attachment to make themthoroughly rigid, a favorable result can be obtained. However, ifneeded, they can be made monolithic with the attachment.

Next, a base is described.

The base in terms of shape can be either of a screw type called an Etype, and insert type called a BA type, a P type or a B type, but fromthe viewpoint of interchangeability, the E type which is popularly usedis preferable. Also, there are several types of base size by diametersizes. For the present invention, essentially any type is acceptable,but to get electric lamps with a rated power consumption of 20 to 100 Wthat are replaceable with ordinary electric lamps for lighting, typessuch as E26 and E17 are suitable. Further, to get an electric lampdevice that is relatively compact and with a power consumption of 5 to10 W, an E12 type is suitable.

To arrange a base in an outer shell, since a substrate is attained bymolding when it is made of a synthetic resin, it is possible to adopt aconstruction suitable for the base. For example, by molding a smalldiameter part at one end of the substrate, it is possible to occlude thebase with the small diameter part, and either by bonding or by providinga small hole for stopping at the small diameter part, fix the base bypressure-fitting it into the small hole by deforming the same by a punchfrom an outside of the base. Also, by forming a slit in the small holepart, it is possible to arrange one conductor of the serially connectedbody of no-base type small electric lamps to the base by way of thisslit.

Next, a pressure control means is described.

To control a fourth water sealing means by the pressure control means isto release the fourth water sealing means automatically and a watersealing action temporarily when pressure of an inside space rises abovea prescribed pressure value. After an air of the inside is discharged bythe fourth sealing means, the water sealing action is resumed.

When the fourth water sealing means is formed with a packing so as toperform the operation described above, the packing at its part iscomposed so that, when pressure of the inside space rises, the packingmoves to release the water sealing action by this movement. When theinternal pressure is balanced, the packing returns to its originalposition by means of its elasticity and performs the water sealingaction again. When an external pressure is high, an inside of the globeis maintained at a low pressure because there is the fourth watersealing means.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, an electric lamp device according to the presentinvention is suitable for use in a place that allows replacement withincandescent lamps, for example.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electric lamp device comprising:a globe havingan opening and a light transmitting part; an outer shell having anopening for connecting the globe in which an opening of the globe isconnected to one end, and providing at the other end a substrate havinga relatively slender opening for connecting power supply, compared withthe opening for connecting the globe; an electric lamp mount partarranged in a substrate within the outer shell; a serially connectedbody of no-base type small electric lamps having a plurality of no-basetype small electric lamps and conductors for serially connecting theseno-base type small electric lamps, these no-base type small electriclamps being gathered, mounted to said electric lamp mount part andcontained within said outer shell; and a support body, extended from thesubstrate, for supporting said serially connected body of no-base typesmall electric lamps within said outer shell.
 2. An electric lamp deviceas claimed in claim 1, wherein: the support body forms a conductive pathof the serially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps atits one end.
 3. An electric lamp device as claimed in claim 1, wherein:the globe is formed by molding a colored transparent synthetic resin. 4.An electric lamp device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the base that ismounted to the opening for connecting power supply of the substrate isprovided.
 5. An electric lamp device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: thesupport body has an insulating support part in which a conductor supportgroove to which conductors of a serially connected body of no-base typesmall electric lamps are formed and a post by which the insulatingsupport part is supported.
 6. An electric lamp device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein: the support body has an insulating support part, inwhich a plurality of conductor support grooves to which a plurality ofconductors for serially connecting a plurality of no-base type smallelectric lamps of the serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps are formed, and a post by which the insulating supportpart is supported.
 7. An electric lamp device as claimed in claim 1,wherein: the serially connected body of no-base type small electriclamps has an intermediate connecting body and the support body supportsthe intermediate connecting body of said serially connected body ofno-base type small electric lamps.
 8. An electric lamp devicecomprising:a globe having an opening and a light transmitting part; anouter shell having an opening for connecting the globe in which anopening of the globe is connected to one end, and providing at the otherend a substrate having a relatively slender opening for connecting powersupply, compared with the opening for connecting the globe; anattachment having a sheet part, an electric lamp mount part and anextended part of a support body that are engaged within the opening ofsaid substrate for connecting the globe; a serially connected body ofno-base type small electric lamps having a plurality of no-base typesmall electric lamps and conductors for serially connecting theseno-base type small electric lamps, these no-base type small electriclamps being gathered and mounted to the electric lamp mount part of saidattachment, and conductors of both ends being led to the opening forconnecting power supply of said substrate, passing through theattachment; and a support body, extended from the support stand part ofsaid attachment, for supporting said serially connected body of no-basetype small electric lamps within said outer shell.
 9. An electric lampdevice as claimed in claim 8, wherein: the attachment has a plurality ofprojections for supporting conductors of the serially connected body ofno-base type small electric lamps and separating no-base type smallelectric lamps from the attachment.
 10. An electric lamp device asclaimed in claim 8, wherein: no-base type small electric lamps of thethe serially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps areeach made as a both-end-sealed type structure and arranged almost inparallel with an axial direction of the outer shell, and, the conductorhas a first conductor part that is arranged at ends of no-base typesmall electric lamps apart from the substrate and a second conductorpart that is arranged at ends of no-base type small electric lamps closeto the substrate, the support body supports the first conductor part ofsaid serially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps, andthe attachment has a plurality of projections for supporting the secondconductor part of said serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps and separating no-base type small electric lamps from theattachment.
 11. An electric lamp device as claimed in claim 8, wherein:the support body has an insulating support part in which a conductorsupport groove to which conductors of a serially connected body ofno-base type small electric lamps are formed and a post by which theinsulating support part is supported.
 12. An electric lamp device asclaimed in claim 8, wherein: the support body has an insulating supportpart, in which a plurality of conductor support grooves to which aplurality of conductors for serially connecting a plurality of no-basetype small electric lamps of the serially connected body of no-base typesmall electric lamps are formed, and a post by which the insulatingsupport part is supported.
 13. An electric lamp device as claimed inclaim 8, wherein: the serially connected body of no-base type smallelectric lamps has an intermediate connecting body and the support bodysupports the intermediate connecting body of said serially connectedbody of no-base type small electric lamps.
 14. An electric lamp deviceas claimed in claim 8, wherein: the support body forms a conductive pathof the serially connected body of no-base type small electric lamps atits one end.
 15. An electric lamp device comprising:a globe having anopening and a light transmitting part; an outer shell having an openingfor connecting the globe in which an opening of the globe is connectedto one end, and providing at the other end a substrate having arelatively slender opening for connecting power supply, compared withthe opening for connecting the globe; an electric lamp mount partarranged in a substrate within the outer shell; a serially connectedbody of no-base type small electric lamps having a plurality of no-basetype small electric lamps having sealed parts, these no-base type smallelectric lamps being gathered and serially connected, and the sealedparts of no-base type small electric lamps being supported by saidelectric lamp mount part and contained within said outer shell.
 16. Anelectric lamp as claimed in claim 15, wherein: no-base type smallelectric lamps are sealed with a xenon gas in the sealed parts.
 17. Anelectric lamp device comprising:a globe having an opening and a lighttransmitting part; an outer shell having an opening for connecting theglobe in which an opening of the globe is connected to one end,providing at the other end a substrate having a relatively slenderopening for connecting power supply, compared with the opening forconnecting the globe, and having a guide tube part opened toward theopening for connecting the globe and connected to the opening forconnecting power supply; an attachment having a sheet part engagedwithin the opening for connecting the globe of said substrate, anelectric lamp mount part and a tube part engaged within the guide tubepart of the substrate and connected to the electric lamp mount part;electric lamps mounted to the electric lamp mount part of theattachment; and pressure control means for adjusting pressure, bothinside and outside the globe.
 18. An electric lamp device as claimed inclaim 17, wherein: the globe is freely occluded with and dissociatedfrom the substrate and provides a first water sealing means forwater-sealing said globe and substrate.
 19. An electric lamp device asclaimed in claim 17, wherein: the globe is freely occluded with anddissociated from the substrate and provides a second water sealing meansfor water-sealing said globe and attachment, a third water sealing meansfor water-sealing said attachment and substrate, and a fourth watersealing means for water-sealing the guide tube part of said substrateand the tube part of the attachment.
 20. An electric lamp device asclaimed in claim 7, wherein: the globe is freely occluded with andissociated from the substrate and provides a second water sealing meansfor water-sealing said globe and attachment, a third water sealing meansfor water-sealing said attachment and substrate, a fourth water sealingmeans for water-sealing the guide tube part of said substrate and thetube part of the attachment, and the pressure control means foradjusting pressure, both inside and outside the globe, by controllingsaid fourth water sealing means when pressure inside a space enclosedwith said globe and attachment rises above a prescribed pressure value.21. An electric lamp device as claimed in claim 17, wherein: the globeis formed by molding a colored transparent synthetic resin.
 22. Anelectric lamp device as claimed in claim 17, wherein: the base that ismounted to the opening for connecting power supply of the substrate isprovided.